COLLEGE STATION, Texas — A Texas A&M University research initiative that converts human wastes into biofuels has received a Phase 1 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, according to a press release.

The grant totals $100,000 with the opportunity for additional funding of up to $1 million.

The 18-month grant will help fund the biomass research program run by Mark Holtzapple, professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M.

The objective of the research, Holtzapple says, is to demonstrate that carboxylic acid fermentation can be adapted as a sanitation treatment, providing health benefits through pathogen reduction and economic benefits through robust conversion of waste to liquid fuels, nutrient-rich compost and potable water.